Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water-based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.
With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
📌 Purpose of Job
Lead the delivery of accurate financial reporting, statutory compliance, and strong internal controls across Synthomer’s European entities. Drive continuous improvement, support transformation initiatives, and develop a high‑performing accounting team that consistently meets stakeholder expectations.
🛠️ Main Accountabilities
1. Lead the production of timely, accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports
2. Ensure high‑quality balance sheet reconciliations and Blackline compliance
3. Oversee statutory accounts preparation and timely filing
4. Manage assets under construction, ensuring correct and timely capitalisation
5. Partner with Tax and VAT teams to maintain full compliance
6. Support internal and external audits, ensuring issues are resolved promptly
7. Oversee GRIR management and weekly cashflow forecasting
8. Lead annual balance sheet budgeting and support P&L planning
9. Approve weekly payment runs and maintain strong cash discipline
10. Drive process improvements and strengthen internal controls
11. Develop, mentor, and performance‑manage a team of qualified accountants
12. Support finance transformation, system enhancements, and business improvement initiatives
13. Contribute to M&A activity, including data analysis, due diligence support, and integration readiness
14. Ensure all accounting policies, procedures, and documentation remain current and effective
15. Support KPI preparation and ensure team objectives, appraisals, and development plans are completed
🎓 Minimum Requirements
16. Degree‑educated with a full recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
17. Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar finance leadership role
18. Proven experience managing and developing teams
19. Strong technical accounting skills within a large, complex environment (manufacturing preferred)
20. Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management capability
21. Demonstrated ability to lead change and deliver process improvements
22. Strong analytical skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
23. Experience working cross‑functionally and within a matrix structure
24. SAP or similar ERP experience
25. European language skills beneficial but not essential
📍 Location & Working Pattern
This role is based at our European Shared Service Centre in Harlow, where collaboration and team synergy are at the heart of how we work. We ask team members to be on-site at least four days per week to support this dynamic environment.
🌍 Global Benefits Overview
26. 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
27. 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme
28. 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
29. 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
30. 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
31. 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
32. 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
33. 💙 Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program, mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
34. 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
35. 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
36. 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
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